This Huli Huli Chicken is a must-try recipe for fans of sweet and savory grilled dishes. With its roots in Hawaiian roadside barbecue, it features juicy marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, then basted with a sticky pineapple-soy glaze. The result? Bold, tropical flavors with just the right hint of smoky char.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or simply want to bring a taste of the islands into your kitchen, this dish delivers every time. Serve it with fluffy white rice and some grilled pineapple on the side, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for summer dinners or festive gatherings.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
-
1/2 cup soy sauce
-
1/2 cup brown sugar
-
1/3 cup ketchup
-
1/3 cup pineapple juice
-
1/4 cup rice vinegar
-
1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
-
Pineapple slices, grilled (optional for serving)
-
Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions:
-
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and smoked paprika. Whisk well to form the marinade.
-
Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade and set aside for basting.
-
Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour remaining marinade over them. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
-
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
-
Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.
-
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is slightly charred.
-
Optional: Grill pineapple slices for 1–2 minutes on each side until caramelized.
-
Serve chicken over steamed white rice, garnished with sliced green onions and grilled pineapple.
Prep Time: 10 minutes + 4 hours marinating
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (active) / ~4.5 hours (including marinating)
Kcal: 395 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Origins and Cultural Significance of Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli Chicken is a beloved Hawaiian dish that has earned a strong following both on the islands and across the mainland United States. The name “huli huli” comes from the Hawaiian word huli, meaning “to turn.” This refers to the traditional method of cooking the chicken on a grill or over an open flame while continuously turning it, creating an evenly caramelized and smoky exterior. The dish was originally developed in the 1950s by Ernest Morgado, a businessman and philanthropist who began grilling teriyaki-style chicken at fundraising events. His unique marinade — a fusion of Hawaiian and Asian ingredients — quickly became a sensation.
Huli Huli Chicken is more than just food — it’s part of Hawaii’s culinary identity. It is a staple at roadside stands, community fundraisers, and family gatherings across the islands. Its smoky aroma and glossy glaze are instantly recognizable to locals and tourists alike. The dish reflects Hawaii’s multicultural heritage, blending Japanese, Filipino, and Polynesian flavors in a distinctly island-style presentation.
Flavor Profile and Key Characteristics
One of the standout features of Huli Huli Chicken is its rich and complex flavor profile. It’s sweet, savory, tangy, and just a touch smoky — everything you could want from grilled chicken. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, ketchup, and pineapple juice. This combination creates a balance of umami from the soy, acidity from the pineapple and vinegar, and sweetness from the brown sugar and ketchup. When grilled, the sugars caramelize on the surface of the chicken, forming a beautifully charred glaze that enhances both texture and flavor.
The chicken itself is usually made with bone-in or boneless thighs, which stay juicy during grilling and absorb the marinade well. Thighs also have enough fat content to resist drying out, making them ideal for high-heat cooking. Some variations may include whole chickens cooked on rotisseries, but thighs remain the most popular cut due to convenience and flavor.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
Grilling is the traditional and most authentic way to prepare Huli Huli Chicken. The turning process — often done by hand or with a rotisserie setup — ensures even cooking and caramelization. If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can also be cooked in a hot cast-iron pan or broiled in the oven, but it may lack the signature smokiness that comes from flame grilling.
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Reserve a portion of the marinade before adding it to the raw chicken, and use that reserved batch for basting during grilling. This helps to build layers of flavor and keeps the chicken moist and glossy as it cooks.
It’s important not to rush the grilling process. Allow the chicken to develop a nice char without burning, and avoid constant flipping. Turn the chicken only as needed, letting each side get time on the grill to develop flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Huli Huli Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. In Hawaii, it’s often enjoyed with a side of steamed white rice and classic Hawaiian-style macaroni salad — a creamy, mayo-based dish that provides a comforting contrast to the grilled meat. You can also pair the chicken with grilled pineapple, which complements the marinade and adds a sweet, juicy element to the plate.
For a complete Hawaiian plate lunch experience, serve the chicken with sticky rice, coleslaw, and a scoop of lomi-lomi salmon or poke. You can also shred leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls. Add some sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables to bring brightness and acidity to the dish.
For drinks, tropical options work best. Try serving Huli Huli Chicken with a chilled pineapple soda, iced hibiscus tea, or a cocktail like a Mai Tai or Piña Colada.
Nutritional Highlights
While Huli Huli Chicken is certainly indulgent in flavor, it can be part of a balanced meal. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The marinade contains natural sugars and sodium, so those watching their intake can opt for low-sodium soy sauce and moderate the amount of sugar or ketchup used.
The dish is naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for traditional soy sauce. To reduce sugar content, you might try honey or agave nectar in place of brown sugar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Grilling, as a cooking method, keeps added fats to a minimum, and pairing the dish with fresh vegetables or a side salad makes it an even more health-conscious choice.
Why It’s So Popular
The popularity of Huli Huli Chicken lies in its accessibility and universal appeal. The ingredients are easy to find, the preparation is straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the grilling technique gives it a nostalgic, comforting flavor that resonates with people from all backgrounds.
It’s also a visually appealing dish — the glossy, caramelized exterior and slight charred edges make it look just as mouthwatering as it tastes. When plated with golden grilled pineapple or colorful sides, it becomes a showstopping meal for any occasion.
How to Customize It
Huli Huli Chicken is a great canvas for creativity. You can spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. If you want a deeper smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke. For a more tangy bite, increase the vinegar or add lime juice.
Vegetarians can use the same marinade on tofu, eggplant, or mushrooms. The key is to maintain that signature sweet-salty balance, regardless of the protein source. You can also make a bowl version with sliced Huli Huli Chicken over rice or quinoa, topped with avocado, slaw, and sesame seeds for a modern, nutrient-packed twist.
Perfect for Gatherings and Meal Prep
This recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd. It scales easily, and the chicken can be grilled in batches. Because it tastes great hot or cold, it’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, and beach barbecues. You can grill the chicken in advance and warm it up before serving, or serve it chilled in wraps or salads.
It also works well for meal prep. Make a large batch on the weekend and portion it out with rice and veggies for easy weekday lunches. The flavors hold up well in the fridge, and the chicken can even be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
Huli Huli Chicken is more than just a recipe — it’s a flavor experience rooted in Hawaiian culture and community. From its humble beginnings as a roadside fundraiser dish to its place on dinner tables across the world, it represents the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
With its bold flavors, minimal prep, and crowd-pleasing appeal, Huli Huli Chicken is a must-try whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving a tropical twist on your weekly meals. It’s a dish that connects people to the spirit of aloha through food — warm, welcoming, and irresistibly delicious.